Iran Condemns Planned U.S. Sanctions as Tehran's Economy Faces Further Pressure

Iran has condemned planned US economic sanctions that could put further pressure on the Islamic Republic's economy and affect key trading partners, including China, Menna Alaa El-Din and Kanishka Singh reported for Reuters.

Iran has condemned planned new US sanctions as the country's economy faces continued pressure from existing restrictions and disrupted oil shipments.

The planned measures come after nearly six months of war following US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran that began Feb. 28. Although the sides are no longer exchanging fire on the same scale, Reuters reported that there were no signs of active peace negotiations.

Oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted, putting additional pressure on Iran's economy.

Tehran has threatened to target unauthorized oil tankers attempting to pass through the strategic waterway, while allowing some vessels, including Iraqi oil tankers, to transit.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to hold a news conference Monday after threatening what he described as the “toughest sanctions in history” against Iran.

Bessent has also urged China to cooperate with Washington.

China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, with Kpler data cited by Reuters showing that China accounted for more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil in 2025.

Beijing has called for diplomacy.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the planned sanctions, describing the US move as an assertion of extraterritorial authority over independent UN member states.

Iran's economy is already under substantial pressure from existing sanctions and the disruption to its oil exports. The additional US measures could further complicate Tehran's trade and financial relationships with countries that continue to do business with Iran.